1). President – Vinod Parekh wished everyone a Happy New Year and said that when you entered in the Hall you would have seen many new faces. This is because we have taken 40 new members. He then welcomed all the new members who had come to their first meeting today. He stated that our greatest achievement was being the recipient of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2015 and showed the Award which was displayed on the table.
He also called all the Executive Committee members who were present near the Stage and then asked the 28 new members who were present to introduce themselves. He then gave an introduction of each Committee Member to the new members and gave details of the work they were doing, so that they were aware of whom to contact for any information etc.
He introduced Yoga Guru – Manishaben and said that she had been conducting Yoga to our members for the last 15 years and many members had benefited from her Yogic exercises and health tips.
He also introduced Jayantbhai U Doshi, - who had retired as Secretary of NVK after his continuous 15 years service. He was the original Founder member and because of his foresight we all are gathered here today.
2). We wish all present here a very Happy and Prosperous New Year and also a special welcome to the new members present here. Some of our members are unable to attend because of illnes and we pray for their early recovery and attendance at our future gatherigs to enjoy the fellowship with others. We are very happy to see that our Hall was today full with the members doing Yoga on floor mats after a long time.
We request the new members to join in our activities, volunteer wherever possible and to show us your special Talents.
3). Today's warm-up Yoga was done by Jayeshbhai T Shah and the main Yoga by Manishaben, who conducted many Yogic poses to tone up the body joints. NVK's many thanks to both.
4). 16 years ago – on the 5th Jan 2007, NVK was established by the Founder members with around 30 members, who had the foresight of an elderly organisation for keeping them healthy and active. Their dream has materialised now with 430 members and over 320 people on the waiting list.
5). DONATIONS : £51 from Manoj Mehta – son of our late member – Hansaben Mehta, who had passed away in Nov 2022. The donation was in memory of her mother. Many thanks from NVK and we pray for her soul.
*£25 from Bhagwandas Bakhai on the occasion of his wife – Naina Bakhai's 85th birthday on 1st Jan. NVK's many thanks, congratulations and Best Wishes and pray that she will enjoy many more birthdays to come.
*£31 from Jyotiben Vibhakar & late Harikantbhai Vibhakar. Many thanks from NVK.
6). After lunch today, we will have a wonderful programme to mark NVK's 16th Anniversary and as usual, at Tea Time, NVK will serve tea, coffee and biscuits.
(Today's menu included “Habshi Halwa” and Samosa etc)
The afternoon programme started with Dr. Vinodbhai Kapashi welcoming all and joining in the programme. NVK regrets that the dancers scheduled to come could not come as they were busy at work. Hence he started with a very knowledgeable quiz of sharing “Thepla” between persons etc. Then Sudhaben Kapashi gave a wonderful dance with music and all members joining in and clapping rhythmically. It was wonderful to see everyone joining in and enjoying.
Afterwards Jasuben Sheth recited a poem specially prepared for the celebration of 16th Anniversary and praising the work done for the elderly members throughout the existence of NVK.
The following members came to say a few words on how they enjoyed being members of NVK :
Nyanaben J Shah
Meena D Shah
Shirishbhai N Kothari also gave his experiences being a member of NVK and then recited a prayer for the NVK's successful work.
Members enjoyed the programme.
7) We have a few members who have yet to renew their membership and we have given them another opportunity to do so by sending them a written reminder and if they do not respond by 12/01/23, we will assume that they do not intend to renew and we will fill in the gaps by taking new members.
8). Secretary – Purnimaben Mehta announced that during the current scary situation of Covid re-emerging all over the world, we are fortunate to have a donation of 400 packets of Face coverings – Masks from our member – Urmilaben Sanghrajka and each member will be given 2pkts x5 masks at lunch time. NVK's many thanks to her.
She also read the following message from Surbhiben Khona, who is on holiday in India
“Happy 16th Anniversary to Navjivan Vadil Kendra and Hearty Congratulations to Dedicated Committee members.
Hearty Congratulations for completing 16years of Kendra this year. I have been member for many years and enjoy Yoga and activities during afternoon. Also specially coach trips and Holidays where I made new friends. Also had fun during lockdown when we meet outside in Park to overcome loneliness and feel good.
I am Thanking EC to arrange various events for us and educate us too .
Thanking you
Surbhi Khona from Mumbai India
I wish you All a very Happy Healthy New Year 2023”
9). Jayantbhai Doshi – Past Secretary then wished a very Happy New Year to all present.
10). Vinodbhai Kapashi gave details of the afternoon programme.
11). President – Vinod Parekh thanked all members who have helped as volunteers, taking part in weekly programmes and at all times. He said it is the members who make up NVK. Our discipline is very good as this was observed by outsiders and visitors from USA. We have also been giving our lady members the chance to come forward by serving food at lunch etc etc. We need new volunteers so that we can train them.
TODAY’S ATTENDANCE FROM THOSE WHO SIGNED THE REGISTER : 204
TODAY’S WEATHER AND TEMPERATURE : Cloudy 12C
PRAFUL SHAH
PRO - NVK